In a display of ruthless cricket prowess, India convincingly routed Sri Lanka by an astonishing 302 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. This victory marks India’s seventh consecutive win in as many matches and secures their place as the first nation to qualify for the Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinals.
Batting first after being invited to the crease, India showcased their dominance, posting a formidable total of 357/8. Notable half-centuries from Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer set the stage for this remarkable performance. The early dismissal of Rohit Sharma in the opening over by Dilshan Madushanka, who went on to claim a five-wicket haul, provided Sri Lanka with a glimmer of hope.
Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, however, forged a formidable partnership of 189 runs, both achieving their respective half-centuries. Madushanka eventually ended their partnership and thwarted their centuries. Sri Lanka managed to regain some momentum with the dismissals of KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav. Nevertheless, Shreyas Iyer’s explosive 82 from just 56 balls ensured that India crossed the 300-run mark. A couple of powerful blows from Ravindra Jadeja in the final overs elevated India’s total beyond 350.
In response, India’s bowlers wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the very first ball of Sri Lanka’s innings, setting a tone of early aggression. Mohammed Siraj, who previously achieved a memorable 6/21 in the Asia Cup 2023 finals, delivered a swift double blow in the same over, reducing Sri Lanka to a staggering 3-4. Mohammed Shami, in top form, completed a remarkable five-wicket haul, ultimately wrapping up the Lankan innings in just 19.4 overs. This comprehensive victory underscores India’s formidable presence in the Cricket World Cup 2023.
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